PV Commissioning

Title Page

Site conducted
Conducted on
Prepared by
Location

PV Array Test

Test instrument

String 1

Array Module
Array Quantity
Array Parameters - Voc (STC)
Array Parameters - Isc (STC)
String overcurrent protective device - Type
String overcurrent protective device - Rating (A)
String overcurrent protective device - DC Rating (V)
String overcurrent protective device - Capacity (kA)
String Wiring - Type
String Wiring - Phase CSA (mm2)
String Wiring - Earth CSA (mm2)
String Test - Voc (STC)
String Test - Isc (STC)
String Test - Irradiance
Polarity Check
Array Insulation Resistance - Test Voltage (V)
Array Insulation Resistance - Pos - Earth (MΩ)
Array Insulation Resistance - Neg - Earth (MΩ)
Earth Continuity (where fitted)
Array Isolator - Rating (A)
Array Isolator - Rating (V)
Array Isolator - Location
Array Isolator - Functional Check
Inverter - Make
Inverter - Model
Inverter - Serial Number
Inverter - Functional Check
Array - Module
Array - Quantity
Array Parameters - Voc (STC)
Array Parameters - Isc (STC)
String over-current protective device - Type
String over-current protective device - Rating (A)
String over-current protective device - DC Rating (V)
String over-current protective device - Capacity (kA)
String Wiring - Type
String Wiring - Phase CSA (mm2)
String Wiring - Earth CSA (mm2)
String Test - Voc (STC)
String Test - Isc (STC)
String Test - Irradiance
Polarity Check
Array Insulation Resistance - Test Voltage (V)
Array Insulation Resistance - Pos - Earth (MΩ)
Array Insulation Resistance - Neg - Earth (MΩ)
Earth Continuity (where fitted)
Array Isolator - Rating (A)
Array Isolator - Rating (V)
Array Isolator - Location
Array Isolator - Functional Check
Inverter - Make
Inverter - Model
Inverter - Serial Number
Inverter - Functional Check

Commissioning Checks

Generator’s Installation satisfies the requirements of BS7671 (IET Wiring Regulations).
Suitable lockable points of isolation have been provided between the PGMs and the rest of the Generator’s Installation.
Labels have been installed at all points of isolation in accordance with EREC G99.
Interlocking that prevents PGMs being connected in parallel with the DNO’s Distribution Network (without synchronising) is in place and operates correctly.
Balance of Multiple Single Phase PGMs. Confirm that design of the Generator’s Installation has been carried out to limit output power imbalance to below 16 A per phase, as required by EREC G99.
Installation complies with cyber security requirements
The Interface Protection settings have been checked and comply with EREC G99.
The system successfully synchronises with the DNO’s Distribution Network without causing significant voltage disturbance
The system successfully runs in parallel with the DNO’s Distribution Network without tripping and without causing significant voltage disturbances.
The system successfully disconnects without causing a significant voltage disturbance, when it is shut down.
Interface Protection operates and disconnects the DNO’s Distribution Network quickly (within 1 s) when a suitably rated switch, located between the PGM and the DNO’s incoming connection, is opened.
The PGM remains disconnected for at least 20 s after switch is reclosed.
Loss of tripping and auxiliary supplies. Where applicable, loss of supplies to tripping and protection relays results in either PGM or Generating Unit forced trip or an alarm to a 24 hour manned control centre.

DC side – Inspection & Test Requiurements

General check to confirm system complies with relevant standards.
PV voltage suitable for location
Components selected and erected to suit location and external influences
Roof and building penetrations weatherproof (where applicable)
Verification of protective measures against shock.
Parts selected and erected so as to minimise the risk of earth faults and short circuits.
Identification if the inverter has at least simple separation.
Identification of any functional earthing
Presence of earth insulation resistance detection and alarm system
Presence of earth residual current monitoring detection and alarm system
String cables sized appropriately for prospective fault currents
String/array over current protective devices correctly specified and installed
Check of any functional earth connections
Check functional earth fault interrupters are fitted (where required)
Check of any earthing and/or equipotential bonding
Verify wiring loops minimised
SPDs, where fitted, suitable selected and erected
Measures in place to protect long cables
All d.c. components rated for d.c. and for voltage and current maxima
Wiring selected and erected to suit external influences (wind, UV etc.)
String/array isolation and disconnection devices correctly specified and located
Plug and sockets are of same type and correctly mated
Means of isolating inverter provided on AC side
AC Isolators correctly connected
Inverter parameters correctly specified on AC side
RCDs correctly selected and installed (where fitted) on AC side
All parts correctly labelled and suitably durable
Schematics and other signs suitably displayed
Test to ensure the continuity of earthing and/or equipotential bonding conductors (if fitted)
Connection to main earthing terminal verified
Test to ensure that all strings and arrays are correctly marked and connected
Test to ensure that all strings are correctly connected within a combiner box (if fitted)
Test to ensure that module strings are correctly installed and that the right number of modules are connected within a string
Test to ensure that there are no major faults within a string
Short-circuit and operation test options presented
Tests to ensure switchgear operated correctly
Tests to ensure inverters operating correctly
Test the string VOC